What I Do
People love to ask, “What do you do?”
What do I do?
I improve.
I learn from every interaction and every outcome, so that I might do better next time. By improving my own work and processes, I empower others to do the same. I never blame myself or anyone else; rather, I learn whatever I can from every mistake and failure.
I change.
When change happens around me, I weather it. I change to meet it. When things grow stagnant, I grow restless—I find something to change within myself, or I initiate things that lead others to change. I am an advocate for change, and an ally to those experiencing it.
I transform.
Sometimes change isn’t enough. Sometimes we must confront ourselves and recognize when a bigger shift is needed. I transform my mindset, and transform myself. I am not the person I was two years ago, and I will be different again two years from now.
I evolve.
Transformations are just the high points in our infinite evolution. From birth to death we evolve to fit our surroundings, we evolve toward or away from people and communities, and we evolve in how we approach the world. I am evolving with intent, with purpose.
In more than 15 years in journalism and public relations, I have led award-winning teams and coached individuals to exponential success even during times of upheaval, controversy and crisis.
I’ve worked with good leaders and bad leaders, and learned all I could. I’ve managed teams and watched others manage teams, and learned all I could.
Throughout my career, I have succeeded and led by listening and asking questions. As a journalist, as a public relations professional, as a manager and leader, my job has been to open minds so that human connections can create elegant solutions.
And throughout my career, I have been uncovering stories. I love hearing people tell their stories, and I love finding the truths hidden behind those stories.
But you’re not here because of what I do or what I’ve done. You’re here because of what you want to do.
In the end, our stories are all we have. My story is mine. Her story is hers. His story is his.
And your story is yours.
You can rewrite your story. I know, because I’ve done it. I’ve lived it.
Since the first time we met, I’ve admired James as a seeker—someone with an insatiable desire to learn and improve. He’s also a doer—there are plenty of people who talk a lot about what they might do next. James just does it.
| Michael Smart |
